BY JUNO DEMELO
WHAT’S THAT? You’ll spare no expense when it comes to your little Dumbledog? And you want nothing but the best for him? Yeah, same. So we asked top vets and trainers for some of their favorite stuff to spoil pets with. Because if you’re going to buy something, it should do what it’s supposed to—for more than two minutes. And you want your pet to like it as much as you do, says Andy Roark, DVM, a veterinarian in Greenville, South Carolina, and the host of the podcast The Cone of Shame. “We’ve all seen cats prefer the box a toy came in over the toy itself, or dogs sleep next to the new bed, not on it,” he says. These products get two paws up from the pros and the true experts: loads of four-legged friends.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game
Fill this boredom-busting toy with kibble and watch pups move the gears to get a nibble. It’s sturdier than other options, says Erin Askeland, a dog trainer in Atlanta. $25; chewy.com
CatIt Water Fountain
“Cats are picky creatures who usually don’t drink enough water,” says Angelica Dimock, DVM, a shelter vet at the Animal Humane Society. The running water gets them guzzling. $28; catit.us
WobbleWag Giggle Ball
As it rolls around, this ball makes giggling sounds that intrigue pooches. “My dog loved it instantly,” says Justine Lee, DVM, founder of VETgirl, an online resource for vets. $15; amazon.com
Cat Dancer
“Real prey is unpredictable,” says Rachel Geller, EdD, a cat behaviorist in Newton, Massachusetts. “This toy is on a short wire and moves in unexpected directions.” $3.50; catdancer.com
Yummy Combs Flossing Dog Treats
These six-sided treats clean teeth as dogs chew. Use them between brushings—not in lieu of them, says Jan Bellows, DVM, a veterinary dentist in Weston, Florida. $20; chewy.com
Kong Easy Treat Puppy Recipe
Roark calls this chicken-liver-based delicacy “pure gold.” Spray it on your finger to distract your dog during nail trims, haircuts, and even needle pokes. $7; chewy.com
Blue-9 Balance Harness
“Some harnesses can be restrictive, which may create issues with gait and shoulder movement,” says Michael Shikashio, a dog behaviorist in Noank, Connecticut. This one lets pups move comfortably, he says. From $40; blue-9.com
Wagwear Nylon Metropolitan Leash
Super versatile, this leash can be three, four, or six feet long. It has an extra hook too, so you can easily fasten it around a chair when you sit outside with your furry BFF, says Bryan Barrera, author of The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog. $40; wagwear.com
Ollydog Backcountry Day Bag
A treat holder and poop bag dispenser, this carrier is a must-have, according to Purina vet RuthAnn Lobos, DVM. She uses it when running on the trails with her dog, Finn. $35; ollydog.com
Help ’Em Up Harness
Recommended by Mary Gardner, DVM, a hospice vet in Jupiter, Florida, this full-body harness is great for dogs with mobility issues, and it’s designed to be comfortable for extended periods. From $80; helpemup.com
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
Mikkel Becker, a Seattle-based trainer with Fear Free Pets, loves this bed that turns into a carrier when you zip the mesh top, because it’s also a crash-tested car seat. $225; sleepypod.com
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